Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: a blood pH of 7.29, a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) level of 49 mm Hg, and a bicarbonate ion (HCO3) level of 25 mEq/L. Which condition would the nurse have in mind when developing the patient's plan of care?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Respiratory acidosis is indicated by low pH (7.29) and high PaCO2 (49 mm Hg), common in COPD due to impaired CO2 elimination.